IPD21 force conducted bilateral exercise with the Australian Navy and made a port call in Darwin, Australia

September 18, IPD21 unit JS KAGA and JS MURASAME conducted bilateral exercise with HMAS Maitland in the waters around Darwin. Prior to the exercise, they also made a port call in Darwin, Australia from September 15 to 18.
The Commanding Officer of IPD21 force, the Commander of Flotilla 3, RADM IKEUCHI Izuru, stated, “We made a port call in Darwin, Australia, a “special strategic partner” in the Indo-Pacific region, for supply. Although interactions with the Australian Navy on land were limited due to the effects of COVID-19, we were able to conduct bilateral exercise with them at sea, to enhance our tactical skills and cooperation between the JMSDF and the Australian Navy. The deployment force will continue to work with allied and friendly navies in order to realize a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.”
Despite COVID-19, The Self-Defense Fleet makes full use of the characteristics of the naval force, flexibility and mobility, promotes cooperative relationship with friendly countries, and contributes to support stability in the Indo-Pacific region.